Latin Asia is one of the names given by some historians to the Roman Province of Asia in Asia Minor (Western Anatolia), today part of Turkey, also called Lesser Asia. It was the earliest Roman possession on the continent of Asia.
Currently, the expression Latin Asia (Asie Latine, not yet adopted in English) is mostly used by French academics to refer to French colonial possessions in Asia including Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos. The use of the expression is also extended to The Philippines and East Timor. Lebanon is not included in these definitions despite the use in that country of the French language as for administrative purposes.
Latin Countries in Asia
Two countries in Asia have recognised their Latin culture, both countries are members of the Latin Union, these are East Timor and The Philippines.
- Timor-Leste (East Timor) where the majority of the population speaks Tetun, a language that has borrowed a large number of Portuguese words as well as some of its grammar. The tradition of the Portuguese language in East Timor dates back more than 400 years, from the time when the first Portuguese explorers arrived in the island. As a consequence Portuguese is also the official languages of that country. In addition, East Timor is a member of the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP), also known as the Lusophone Commonwealth
Recently, East Timor Former Prime Minister Mari Alkatiri has used the expression Latin Asia to refer to the unique culture of his country: ”The prime minister invited the visiting executives to explore Timor-Leste and experience the unique 'Latin-Asia" culture that can be found here”
- The Philippines which were ruled by Spain for three centuries until the arrival of the Americans in 1898 and where there are important Spanish-speaking populations. Several Spanish Creole languages are spoken in Philippines today, all them called Chavacano.
These are:
- Chavacanos of Luzon:
- Caviteño, spoken in Cavite.
- Ternateño, spoken in Cavite.
- Ermitaño, formerly spoken in Ermita, Manila, now extinct.
- Chavacanos of Mindanao:
- Zamboangueño (360,000 native speakers, the most spoken creole)
- Cotabateño
- Davaoeño
The Philippines is called Latin Asian in certain academic circles, such us the Catholic Church and certain NGO organizations.
Although in retreat for few decades due to the American influence, the Philippines is now using its Latin cultural influence as a commercial brand to differentiate its cities from any other Asian cities. The most representative case is Zamboanga City, which has been given the title of Asia’s Latin City. Some people even say that The Philippines is the only Latin Asian country.
Other asian countries
The Macau case
Macau can be regarded as part of Latin Asia up to certain extend; Portuguese is one of the official languages of Macau; street and all traffic signs are in both Portuguese and traditional Chinese languages, there are radio stations that broadcast in the Portuguese language and there are Portuguese language newspapers. In fact, the first newspaper in China was a Portuguese language newspaper founded in September 12, 1822 in Macau by Paulino Da Silva.
Although, the Portuguese language is becoming extinct in Macau and it is only spoken by the Macanese minority which comprises about 8,000 residents, Macau’s architecture maintains is Latin flavour.
The Portuguese influence in Macau is recognised by the authorities which also use it as commercial brand in their tourism industry.
Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos
These countries recognise the French influence in their culture and use it as commercial brand to promote their tourism and gastronomy.
